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The two main roles within veterinary science are a veterinary surgeon, or a veterinary nurse.

Nurses are an incredibly important part of any vets and help to keep everything up and running efficiently. You may be responsible for preparing theatres for operations, assisting the vet within the procedures or caring for animals post-surgery. It’s a fast-paced environment that will see you working closely with animals every day.

Vets must obtain a Veterinary Medicine degree and are responsible for the diagnoses and treatments for sick animals, alongside surgeries and administering medicine.

Unfortunately, animals can be sick at any time of the day which means that work in this industry is often shift-based. You may also take turns being on-call and have to travel to visit sick animals.

It’s not just domestic pets that you could be working with through a career in veterinary science. You could also be helping farm and zoo animals, who often require specialist care.

Skills & interests required for a career in Veterinary science

Working in veterinary science will require you to be logical and methodical in approaching treatments. You will also have to pay attention to detail to ensure that high standards are maintained within the practice.

Much of the work will also be communicating with owners of animals about their ailments and treatment plans. It’s important to be able to break down complex medical science into terms that others can understand!

It perhaps goes without saying that a passion for helping and working with animals is essential.

Most roles within Veterinary Science will require knowledge of animal biology to some degree. The specific requirements will depend on the role that you decide to pursue.- Ability to Work Under Pressure- Adaptability- Communication- Flexibility

Tips for getting into the field

Any work experience with animals will benefit you when pursuing a career in veterinary science. You could contact your local vets, or animal charity like the RSPCA, or kennels.

What do Veterinary science professionals get paid?

As a newly qualified veterinary nurse you could expect to earn around £20,500 and this will increase as you take on more responsibilities or extra qualifications. The upper end of what you can expect to earn as a veterinary nurse is £28,000.

Vets will earn £30,000 after they have qualified and with experience this could increase to over £70,000. Those who climb the career ladder quickly choose to specialise in a certain area and have pursued extra training after their studies.

What qualifications do I need for a career in Veterinary science?

To become a veterinary nurse requires a level three diploma in veterinary nursing, which can either be done full-time or alongside a job in a veterinary practice. This will take between two and three years to complete. The diploma will consist of a practical examination, an electronic nursing log, multiple choice exams and 60 weeks of practical experience.

In order to train as a veterinary nurse you must have five GCSEs at grace C, including English, maths, and a science subject. Alternatively, you can have an animal nursing assistant or veterinary care assistant qualification in order to get a space on the course.

Becoming a vet is a very specific training programme. You need strong academic credentials and a Veterinary Medicine degree, which typically takes five or six years. After this you are able to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and practice as a vet.

There are currently eight institutions that offer an accredited veterinary degree: